GC-52 provides legal advice to DOE regarding the long-term management of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and spent nuclear fuel (SNF). SNF is nuclear fuel that has been used as fuel in a reactor to generate nuclear energy but that has been removed from the reactor as no longer being efficient for use as fuel. HLW is the highly radioactive material resulting from the reprocessing of SNF.
Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the federal government is responsible for the disposal of the nation’s HLW and SNF. Pursuant to the NWPA, DOE has entered into “standard contracts” with generators or owners of HLW or SNF under which DOE is obligated to take and dispose of such material in exchange for payment of the Nuclear Waste Fund fee. In January 2010, DOE announced the formation of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future to provide recommendations for developing a safe, long-term solution to managing the nation’s HLW and SNF.
Applicable Laws
- Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
- Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 961 (Standard Contract)
Further Information